When we heard about the partnership that had been formed between Spanish-Portuguese designer/manufacturers De La Espada and Brit-bred furniture designer Matthew Hilton, we didn't bat an eyelash. Sure we were thrilled about it, but we can't say we were surprised. It only made sense to us that one of Europe's leading manufacturers of Solid Wood furniture would team up with the much-respected furniture design mastermind who was once given the highest honor possible to UK industrial designer, when he was named a Royal Designer for Industry in 2003. The symbiotic relationship was born out of a shared vision based on each other's complimentary expertise. De La Espada brings a reputation for high quality manufacturing and rigorous testing to the table, whereas Hilton adds unique creative insight to the design of the product. Together they're sure to turn a few heads when they bow the Matthew Hilton range at the Milan Furniture Fair this month. In addition to their work with Matthew Hilton, De La Espada will also be unveiling some of their newest work with Turkish designers, Autoban, whom they graced our pages with previously.